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think, but how did one say that to an inexperienced young man who had been raised in a decent household? Sir Robert's precepts about women were clear. A serf girl might be raped in a field; a gently born woman might be seduced, but must not be forced. When you married, you could beat your wife for a fault, but she must be protected against harm by anyone else. Moreover, even in a war, the gentleladies were not to be assaulted or insultedthey usually brought good ransoms. Ian rubbed the back of his neck under his hood. His situation was particularly difficult because only a few days earlier he had had a long discussion with Sir Robert on the finer points and deeper meaning of honor, stemming from what happened at the tourney. |
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"I know. That was because I did not know what to say," Ian temporized. "By his act, the castellan has put himself beyond the law, has made himself less than a man, and that which is his is lessened also, its quality destroyed. He gave oath before God that he would faithfully administer his trust and return it on demand. He has stolen this property, and to make it worse, stolen it from a child of seven, as well as violating his oath before God. He is not an honest enemy as might be if he were, say, Philip's vassal and I John's, and we came to blows. Then he and his would deserve to be treated with honor, no matter how bitter the conflict between us. If I ordered the women to be spared, where would be the difference between honorable war and thievery?" |
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"Robert," Ian said, amused by the fact that the young man's appetite was in no way diminishedhis concern had apparently been more that he should not transgress his lord's sensibilities again than for the women involved"if you can and you wish to shield the women, it will do you no particular disservice in my eyes. That will be your business and nothing to do with meever. Remember, if you cannot find a relative to take them, you will be burdened with them. Every man must know, |
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